After close to two years of industry shutdown, IMEX America 2021 returned, with more than 2,200 exhibitors gathering in Las Vegas November 9-11th at Mandalay Bay.
The IMEX convention brought together once again the global community of conventions and event organizers back to the convention capital of the world.
“Over 3,300 buyers were here this week, the vast majority of them hosted buyers. We also had over 2,200 exhibiting companies representing 200-plus countries. Appointments were around 50,000 and feedback shows they produced strong business for exhibitors. Also notable was the quality of business and RFPs coming from walk-up appointments by attendee buyers,” said IMEX chairman Ray Bloom
IMEX CEO Carina Bauer expanded upon the business demand demonstrated during the week. “It’s been heart-warming and joyful to hear so many come-back stories. London & Partners, the LVCVA, and dozens more, including hotel groups such as Mandarin Oriental, have all reported strong business pipelines right through Q3 next year and into 2025. This IMEX week has given us all reason to believe the industry’s future is bright.”
The sheer scale and scope of this year’s show demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of the global business events industry.
As always, IMEX America offered a wealth of initiatives and opportunities in addition to face to face business. The program included more than 200 education sessions, new education tracks, a new People & Planet Village with a ‘misfit’ fruit and vegetable juice bar plus sustainability sessions.
World-class experts and speakers, specialist education for corporate, association and agency executives together with workshops and programmes for students and faculty topped off a busy reunion week.
“Our team worked long and hard to make IMEX America 2021 come to fruition. We believe so strongly in the economic value and positive impact of this industry all over the world. This week has signalled that – collectively – we’re back, and we’re back in business,” said Bauer.
The dates for IMEX America 2022 were confirmed as October 11 – 13, with Smart Monday, powered by MPI on October 10.
